Position Summary
A postdoctoral scholar position is available in the Tree Fruit Entomology Program in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University to study integrated pest management (IPM) in orchard systems. Depending on the scholar’s area of expertise, this might include evaluating and collecting data to improve current predictive models that drive management decisions, behavioral assays to explore chemical ecology questions related to pest monitoring or mating suppression, evaluating the role of non-crop habitat in conserving and boosting natural enemies of orchard pests in Michigan, or some combination of these.
The successful candidate will join the Wilson Lab on the campus of Michigan State University and would be intersecting with other members of the MSU Fruit Team and collaborators at other institutions. This position is likely to involve visits to field sites, including MSU fruit research stations across the state and commercial orchards, and/or lab or greenhouse experiments that require in person engagement, so it is expected to be based on the MSU campus in East Lansing.
The position is for 1 year from the date of hire, with extension contingent on grant renewal and/or securing external funds. Start date will be as soon as April 2026.
The Tree Fruit Entomology Lab: The candidate will benefit from interactions with personnel and projects in the Wilson Lab asking questions about orchard arthropod communities, population dynamics, and trophic interactions as they respond to abiotic conditions and invasive species in the Great Lakes ecosystem. We use the tools of chemical, behavioral, and landscape ecology, and phenological and environmental modeling to develop and improve Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices that are biorational, sustainable, and resilient. This includes practices to improve above and below ground biodiversity in support of biological control and running efficacy trials to test both conventional and organic pest management options that work for the Michigan tree fruit industry and for orchards in the Great Lakes region. The lab is currently a vibrant and supportive community of graduate students, technical staff, and undergraduates. This project will be supported by technical staff and summer interns to assist with project coordination and sample analysis. We have prioritized creation of a diverse environment that supports individuals regardless of cultural background, race, orientation, or ethnicity.
Postdoc development: The Department of Entomology and the Wilson Lab are committed to postdoctoral research career development. The postdoc will have professional development opportunities in the form of mentoring, teaching, grant writing, public communication and others, while working on highly collaborative research projects to meet the postdoc’s defined career goals.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Doctorate -Entomology, Ecology, or related field
Minimum Requirements
Strong analytical skills and demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of one or more of the following: experience working in perennial cropping systems, setting up and evaluating behavioral assays, chemical ecology tools and practices.
Required Application Materials
1) cover letter (2 page max) that includes: research accomplishments; experience and demonstration of skills relevant to the project (see Qualifications); your interest in this project; and leadership experience
2) a CV, and
3) contact information (name, position, phone, email) for three references
Website
www.canr.msu.edu/ent/
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.
